“Geoffrey Beene inspired my collection because I loved his use of polka dots and geometry,” stated CCAD fashion designer Kristin Anderson, when asked which Master Designer influenced her collection. “He used clean lines and didn’t conform to trends, and I like that about him.”

Geoffrey Beene is a premier American designer who rose to prominence in the mid 1960s. Some of his hallmarks include fluid designs, sparse use of color, polka dots and use of geometric shapes (which suggest some op-art influence). He is also noted for creating designs that were more sensual then sexy.

Beene’s Fashion Center Walk of Fame (in NYC) plaque reads: “A designer’s designer, Geoffrey Beene is one of the most artistic and individual of fashion’s creators. He is known for his surgically clean cutting and his fluid use of materials. His designs display a sensuous appreciation of the body and always permit movement. Beene blends masterful construction techniques with seemingly disparate elements, such as whimsically patterned fabrics. The end results are spirited garments, like his famous sequined football jersey evening gown.”

Geoffrey Beene designs

Kristin paid homage to Beene, in one look, with a black-and-white, polka-dot fabric as a dominant feature. Her second runway look also incorporates the polka-a-dot fabric with a bow accessory that threads the looks together.

While her black-and-white dress has a clear reference to Beene, the silhouette is softer and more feminine—a reflection of Kristin’s design aesthetic. The other dress has clean lines, but the dominant color is a bright coral, which was a very purposeful choice by the designer, who had her mind set on a specific coral color for the dress. Another nod to Kristin’s voice is a bow element that is used on each of her four looks.

While developing her collection Kristin was surprised by how much her collection’s direction could change from sketch to final garment. She admits that early on she struggled with the patterns for her looks, but she wasn’t’ shy about asking for help—and she got it. With input from instructors and even classmates, she was able to master the patternmaking and create her vision. She is particularly proud of the black-and-white, polka-dot dress which she said turned out exactly how she wanted.

“Starting with a sketch and turning that thought into a finished illustration, then a paper pattern, and finally a finished garment, is my proudest achievement while at CCAD,” said Kristin. “I have come a long way.

Beene's famous football jersey dress

Now, as she looks forward to the runway show and graduation, she can contemplate future opportunities. She is keeping her mind open, but is especially interested in designing wedding gowns or evening wear.